EDC 102H Introduction to American Education

Friday, September 7, 2012

Today's Agenda

  • Warmup: Grading Schools
  • Small Groups: American Schools in Crisis
    • For one of the questions below, work in groups of 3-4 to discuss Ravitch's essay, focusing on her assertions and evidence. Be sure to have one group member take notes, one be responsible for summing up, and one for presenting your conclusions.
      • Are American schools in crisis?
      • For Ravitch, what are (and are not) the purposes of public schools?
      • What are some of the unintended consequences of current reforms?
    • Report out;
    • We'll add your notes/summary to URITK. If a person in your group brought a computer, record your notes here.
  • Quick Tour - URITeacherKnowledge (Time Permitting)
  • Introduction to Syllabus (Time Permitting)
  • Survey Feedback (Time Permitting)
  • Close: How do OUR school grades align with Ravitch's message. What does this mean?

Homework

  • Read: Suskind, 2005: pp. 1-39
  • Write a 2-3 page (double or single space) essay describing an area of personal expertise. (Not due until next WEDNESDAY)
    • You can do this in MS Word, but we will eventually upload it into URITK.